Sautéed Shrimp and Garlic Noodles with Chili Flakes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent shrimp sautéed with garlic and tossed with buttery noodles and a hint of chili heat for a quick seafood pasta. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, peeled and deveined large shrimp, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Season 12 oz peeled and deveined large shrimp with 1/2 tsp black pepper and 1/2 tsp salt. Add shrimp to skillet and sauté for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 5 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes; cook for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  5. Step 5: Add cooked spaghetti and reserved 1/2 cup pasta water to the skillet; toss to combine and coat noodles in the garlic butter sauce.
  6. Step 6: Return shrimp to skillet, add 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; toss everything together for 1 minute until heated through.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp and Garlic Noodles with Chili Flakes take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Shrimp and Garlic Noodles with Chili Flakes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp and Garlic Noodles with Chili Flakes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sautéed Shrimp and Garlic Noodles with Chili Flakes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sautéed Shrimp and Garlic Noodles with Chili Flakes?

Italian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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